Reports surfaced last week that mouldering Seven Network reality singing competition The X Factor will be axed following the conclusion of its current season, which has seen rapidly dwindling ratings, waning popularity overall, and mixed reactions to its current crop of judges.
Now, the Sydney Morning Herald is reporting claims from several former contestants, parents (the show has increasingly focused on younger and younger contestants), and industry stakeholders who’ve slammed the show over allegedly appalling work conditions.
Among them are mother and daughter duo Bianca and Johanna Vitalone, who were at the centre of controversy back in August after fans of the pair hit the show with rigging claims, alleging the popular duo had effectively been edited out of the show despite finishing in the top 15.
The Vitalones described their “awful” experience to Fairfax, recalling the arduous production schedules and confounding production choices, such as having songs chosen for them only for the song choices to be criticised by the celebrity judges.
“I think the reason they put a lot of stress on young people and don’t give them water or breaks is for ratings,” said Mrs Vitalone. “It makes people break down more when they’re run down. A little boy fainted during filming. I think he was around 14. We were filming from really early in the morning and nobody had any water.”
Speaking to Fairfax, a Seven spokesperson denied claims contestants were mistreated. “The welfare of contestants at every stage of the competition is an absolute priority for the production,” they said.
“Every effort is made to ensure they are safe, cared for and their needs are being met. There are well-established procedures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of contestants is of the highest industry standards at all times.”
However, these claims run contrary to allegations from industry figures who claim their young clients were purposely asked personal questions regarding the deaths of relatives and sad experiences in order to reap more drama from an episode.
“They really, really hound the kids psychologically in interviews to see what pushes their buttons and see what upsets them,” one agent told the Sydney Morning Herald. “I find that quite sickening.”
“Some people came out of interviews and had been crying,” one contestant alleged. “They really manipulate you and ask probing questions to try and make you emotional. I would say to people the show isn’t what you think it is. It’s really quite a horrible process and it’s not kind to people at all.”
According to The Music Network, Seven has not begun auditions for an upcoming season of The X Factor and the series was not included in its October annual list of programming, despite having appeared in previous years. A Seven Network representative reportedly confirmed to TMN that the network has not signed on for another season of the reality singing competition, though they would’ve typically done so by now.
